Doctor Advocates for Shift in Menopause Conversation and Treatment

Dr. Louise Newson, a leading figure in women’s health, is calling for a reevaluation of the conversation surrounding menopause. Featured in the documentary Sex, Myths and The Menopause in 2021, Dr. Newson has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause. With her upcoming documentary titled Balance: A Perimenopause Journey, set to launch on January 30, 2024, she emphasizes the need to shift focus from the term “menopause” to a broader understanding of hormonal health.

Dr. Newson’s advocacy has significantly impacted how women in the UK perceive their health. Many women previously struggled with symptoms of perimenopause, feeling unsupported by healthcare professionals who often lacked training in this area. Thanks to efforts from Dr. Newson and other advocates, including Mariella Frostrup and the Menopause Mandate, the National Health Service (NHS) has introduced perimenopause screening as part of its women’s health MOT test.

Despite these advances, Dr. Newson notes that many women still face obstacles in accessing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). She recounts her own experiences, stating that even she encounters challenges when seeking prescriptions from her general practitioner. This underscores her desire to shift the focus to specific hormones rather than the broad term “menopause,” which she believes can oversimplify women’s experiences.

Rethinking Hormonal Health

In her discussions, Dr. Newson highlights the importance of understanding the distinct roles of various hormones. “When people talk about menopause and HRT, it’s almost like everyone’s the same—and they are not,” she explains. She advocates for a more nuanced approach, where symptoms can be attributed to specific hormonal deficiencies rather than a single condition. For example, low levels of testosterone can lead to fatigue and mood changes, while estrogen plays a critical role in brain function and immune response.

Dr. Newson argues that reframing the conversation around hormones could lead to more effective treatment pathways. “If you said to me, oh, look, I’m really tired, tiredness might be a diagnosis, but it doesn’t tell you what’s wrong. Whereas if I said, ‘oh, you’ve got low vitamin D,’ then you’d understand that deficiency causes tiredness,” she elaborates.

She believes that by educating women about hormonal changes earlier in life, it may ease the transition into perimenopause. “I don’t think we should wait until we’re 40 because it’s too late,” she asserts, advocating for awareness of hormonal health from a younger age.

Individual Choices in Treatment

The upcoming documentary Balance: A Perimenopause Journey follows the experiences of two female monks, Sadhvi Siddhali Shree and Sadhvi Anubhuti, as they explore different approaches to managing their symptoms. Their contrasting choices—one opting for HRT and the other choosing natural remedies—highlight the need for individualized treatment plans based on personal health needs and preferences.

Dr. Newson emphasizes that women should have the autonomy to make informed choices about their health. “It’s got to be a woman’s choice,” she states, reinforcing her belief that understanding hormonal health is key to empowering women throughout their lives.

As the conversation around menopause continues to evolve, Dr. Newson’s insights encourage a shift towards a more comprehensive understanding of women’s health. With her advocacy and new documentary, she aims to foster a more informed and supportive environment for women navigating hormonal changes.